We can't wait to meet you

Tell us your story.

We want to hear from you! Tell us your “story.” Why did you choose to attend Arkansas College or Lyon College? Where are you now? What are you doing? What’s a memorable moment of your time on campus? What keeps you involved with Lyon or what keeps you from becoming involved?

Story Submissions

Nevil Boone

CLASS OF 1963

Why I chose this college:

I had teachers that graduated from AC and when they offered me a basketball scholarship, I knew that was the place for me.

My favorite college memory:

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Enjoyed my time at Arkansas College and it is in my heart.

Lauren Teachout

CLASS OF 2011

Why I chose this college:

I loved the small homey feel. I knew I could be involved and have my voice heard. The acceptance rates into medical/dental schools were among the top in the state and I knew attending Lyon would better prepare me to enter the dental profession and ultimately the "real world!"

My favorite college memory:

I have so many great memories-most involving my Phi Mu sisters. From shopping trips to Little Rock, late night pancake runs to IHOP, and just hanging out in the Phi Mu apartment on apartment row, I loved my four years at Lyon.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Haley (Skinner) Layton

CLASS OF 2007

Why I chose this college:

I was first attracted to Lyon because of its academic excellence and selectivity. I enjoyed the small atmosphere more than I thought I would and became highly involved in multiple arenas. Lyon helped me excel in areas that I was already flourishing in, as well as helping me bolster areas in which I was weaker, in order to help me become a well-rounded and highly successful academic and professional.

My favorite college memory:

I suppose my overall favorite memory is the sense of belonging I felt on campus. From the moment my family and I drove onto campus and were greeted with smiling faces and helpful hands to unload our car, to the last moments of the Baccalaureate ceremony when all of our flames were extinguished, I felt like I was part of a family. Time will never change that.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

My continued connections with Dr. Nikki Yonts and Dr. Paul Bube

Megan Holifield

CLASS OF 2013

Why I chose this college:

As a Batesville native, I thought I wanted to get out of town after high school and refused to really consider Lyon. But, I went on a tour anyway and soon fell in love with the community on campus. I met students, faculty, and staff that were intelligent, open and friendly and realized that those were the people I wanted to be my people. I've never regretted my decision for a moment. Those people became my people and my lifelong friend network and support system.

My favorite college memory:

I can't pick one-getting dressed for a night out or sitting in the floor of our apartment watching TV with my sorority sisters, late night study sessions in the library with friends, snow days on campus, parties on apartment row, traveling to Peru, Baltimore, and Nashville

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Invites to events, open events, Phi Mu

Megan Holifield

CLASS OF 2013

Why I chose this college:

As a Batesville native, I thought I wanted to get out of town after high school and refused to really consider Lyon. But, I went on a tour anyway and soon fell in love with the community on campus. I met students, faculty, and staff that were intelligent, open and friendly and realized that those were the people I wanted to be my people. I've never regretted my decision for a moment. Those people became my people and my lifelong friend network and support system.

My favorite college memory:

I can't pick one-getting dressed for a night out or sitting in the floor of our apartment watching TV with my sorority sisters, late night study sessions in the library with friends, snow days on campus, parties on apartment row, traveling to Peru, Baltimore, and Nashville

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Invites to events, open events, Phi Mu

Megan Holifield

CLASS OF 2013

Why I chose this college:

As a Batesville native, I thought I wanted to get out of town after high school and refused to really consider Lyon. But, I went on a tour anyway and soon fell in love with the community on campus. I met students, faculty, and staff that were intelligent, open and friendly and realized that those were the people I wanted to be my people. I've never regretted my decision for a moment. Those people became my people and my lifelong friend network and support system.

My favorite college memory:

I can't pick one-getting dressed for a night out or sitting in the floor of our apartment watching TV with my sorority sisters, late night study sessions in the library with friends, snow days on campus, parties on apartment row, traveling to Peru, Baltimore, and Nashville

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Invites to events, open events, Phi Mu

Marsha (King) Budnik

CLASS OF 2001

Why I chose this college:

My story about my experience at Lyon College is a love story. When I first began college as a freshman out of high school, Lyon was then Arkansas College. I believe it changed names the next year. I remember I loved the atmosphere, the town, the breathtakingly beautiful campus, and the general atmosphere of academic strength. I was not offered as much financial aid through Lyon at the time, and being a first generation college graduate from a poor family, I had to decline admission and went to another college for my first couple of years. I became so lost in what I wanted to do career wise and switched majors several times, resulting in many, many extra hours beyond what my degree demanded. I found everything to be interesting! Coming from a very small town and school (K-12 totaled approximately 265 students), I did not have contact with the many subjects of study I encountered in the college atmosphere. After a period of exasperation and some life changes, I found my way to Lyon, and found myself to be home. I wanted a respected education with prestige, and Lyon was called the "Ivy League of the South". I wanted this for myself, but also for pride purposes for my family. No one from our area ever attended Lyon at the time. I entered as a nontraditional student because I had taken a total of 2 years off from college, helping my family through a crisis and helping care for my grandparents, and I entered part time due to lack of financial help. Lyon provided me with assistance in the form of grants and eventually work study so I could attend full time.

My favorite college memory:

Lyon introduced me to a different way of thinking-"outside of the box" is the term used many times daily. This made a tremendous difference in my perceptions and outlook as well as personal insight. This was the game changer for me, so to speak. After my first semester, I declared a major in psychology and never looked back. Dr. Barrie Bondurant and Dr. Sally Browder were my professors. They helped me so much in many various ways. I performed a total of 9 months of research on animal assisted therapy because I completed degree requirements in December 2000 but did not want to leave. I volunteered to do a practicum and a research project. This is one of my many wonderful memories of my Lyon experience. Dr. Bondurant purchased a wrist blood pressure monitor for me, and I proceeded to test blood pressures and heart rates of over 200 children ages 3-12 with a live rabbit and a control of a piece of faux fur material. That was such a good time in life. I was happy to graduate on that very rainy and cold Saturday on Couch Garden (my poor hat has never been the same), but so sad to be leaving my favorite place. Dr. Wally Roettger is who handed me my diploma with one of the biggest and most genuine smiles I have ever seen. I loved the bagpipes. I loved listening to them as much as I could. I was never so proud in my life as when I was able to walk to Scotland the Brave during homecoming weekend, graduation practice, and then graduation.I have so many pleasant memories. I remember being told I was being inducted into Psi Chi, which was something of which I was not aware. I remember the camera quit working, so we never had a picture of our ceremony. Another great memory is being allowed to participate in the A.P.P.L.E. project, under direction of Ms. Marilyn Chlebak, Ms. Ge Chen, and Judi Qualls (Dahlquist at the time). I still have my certificate of appreciation hanging on my wall from them. I loved being a peer counselor and working with the high school students. That experience helped me decide that I wanted to go into counseling as a career. Those were long days, having class early in the morning then staying until late at night for that project, then driving an hour home, dodging deer on the road.
I love Lyon so that I chose the Begley Fountain as a place to be married. This is my favorite memory. It was such a perfect day at a perfect place. It could not have been any better for me and us. The trees were changing colors due to time of the year (November), and it was just so beautiful and perfect-a dream come true.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

John R. Wright

CLASS OF 1960

Why I chose this college:

I grew up in Batesville. It made sense to go there.

My favorite college memory:

Always hearing music in the background; watching the construction of Brown Chapel. Walking to and from the College. The predominating friendly spirit of the place. Most of us from the old AC days are fairly conservative, and we take our Christianity seriously. With that in mind, I'm including a writing "Do Scientists Believe in God?" The pastor of my church, along with one of the ladies thought I should put what I had been saying into writing. It does include, part of my story. My favorite teachers were: Ms. Thelma Pickins (she was also my teacher in high school); Dr. Williams (math-he was a true teacher); Dr. Mosley (theology).

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Friends, memories. Aside from the university where I worked for 31 years, three schools stand out: Ole Miss, Washington University, AC/Lyon College

William Ray Simpson III

CLASS OF 2001

Why I chose this college:

My favorite college memory:

Some of my favorite college memories were from camping and climbing trips that I would take to Greer's Ferry. We made many different adventure trips over my years at Lyon. I even wrote a newspaper column called "Get Out" which told the stories of those who went out on these adventures. I helped run an outdoor program that was not as organized as the current program but was open to the entire student body. We made many friends that otherwise would never had anything in common. Please call me and let me know if there is ever anything that I can do to help. No request would be too big or small-college fairs, home hosts, dinner hosts.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the professors that I learned from while attending Lyon College

Scott W. Shelby

CLASS OF 2003

Why I chose this college:

I started my journey with Lyon College in 1996 when I was a sophomore at Tuckerman High School. My love for this college began with a school visit from the former A.P.P.L.E. Project director, Marilynn Chlebak. This upward bound program sparked an interest and a dream that has since come true. I graduate high school with four years of A.P.P.L.E. in the spring of 1999 and matriculated at Lyon College in the fall of the same year. After my college freshman year, I joined A.P.P.L.E. Project again as a counselor & tutor. I wanted to give back to the program that gave me the foot in the door I needed to reach my dream. I stayed with A.P.P.L.E. through my senior year working both during the school year and summer sessions. Though the A.P.P.L.E. Project got my foot in the door, it was the beautiful familiar campus and the professor to student ratio that swung the door open and got me running towards my goal of being the first in my family to graduate with a college degree. I was afraid that if I went to a larger college that I would feel like a passerby or a barcode. At Lyon though, it always felt like a family or a tight community. I came from a small school and didn't relish the idea of being lost in the crowd. I liked the idea that the professors would remember my name and have time for one on one study sessions or office appointments. In the end, it was one of the best decisions of my life! I display my diploma proudly.

My favorite college memory:

My favorite college memory is of all the people I encountered, the relationships forged and the friendships everlasted. Through A.P.P.L.E. Project I was introduced to Dr. Bart Lewis and Dr. Bruce Johnston. Dr. Lewis was a kind professor who was over the moon that a high school student already knew that he wanted to major in Spanish. I look on him as a mentor for my professional career. Dr. Johnston was the Dean of Students with a memory that couldn't be beat! I admired his devotion to the students and his peers and looked on him as a mentor for being a better person. I also made friends for life through Lyon. My roommate and I were the only ones from my freshman class that remained roommates all four years. My friend Jessica and I are more like siblings and I am the godfather for her daughter. I was the yearbook editor for three of my four years at Lyon College. We won awards for cover designs and page layouts. I spent many late evenings in the Louisiana Room in the Alphin building, which at the time was the publication offices. I remember many evenings with me working on the yearbook and my roommate working on the newspaper with occasional visits from the Director of Security Wally Hightower. He would pop in to check on things and offer a much needed conversational break. I guess the cherry on top of my memories would have to be the Nichols trip I took to Spain. Who would have thought that a boy from Tuckerman, Arkansas, would ever cross the Atlantic Ocean and visit cobblestoned roads to stone walled cities with Roman aquaducts and Spanish castles.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

I go to the Scottish Festival every year! Life isn't complete without an annual dose of bagpipes, highland games and of course meat pies!

Stephanie (Rowton) Riedmueller

CLASS OF 1998

Why I chose this college:

The academics and the percentage that went on to Med school. Also, the basketball coach and the beautiful campus

My favorite college memory:

Being named All-American my senior year and being inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2008.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Cinday Moran

CLASS OF 1999

Why I chose this college:

We (my family & I) chose Lyon College for 3 primary reasons: 1) Reputation for strong academics 2) Affordability 3) Small student population.
#1 above was obviously important to us so that when I graduated my degree would stand out when compared with other academic institutions.
#2My family was lower 'middle class' at the time of my application to Lyon. Lyon was willing to make it work for us and rewarded an increased ACT score. I was able to participate in the work study program and my parents were able to afford the 12-month payment plan. It was important to my parents that I graduate debt free!
#3 I did not want to be just a 'number' with a class size in the hundreds. The small environment that Lyon has allows the students to develop a relationship with the professors. This is truly invaluable!

My favorite college memory:

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Lynda Beth Milligan

CLASS OF 1984

Why I chose this college:

Born and raised in Batesville, AR, lived 2 blocks from the college, rode my bicycle and also walked from home. Paid my way through college by a work scholarship and working at the local hospital.

My favorite college memory:

Dr. Roberta Bustin was my chemistry professor. She also worked for NASA. She was not selected to fly on the space shuttle so she brought a TV set into the chemistry lecture room. We all watched the shuttle she would have flown on and carrying her friends explode. She turned off the TV set and cancelled class. Although it was painful, this moment has always been in my memory. Dr. Bustin is and was the best professor in the history of Lyon College.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Respect for the school

Alisha Black

CLASS OF 2017

Why I chose this college:

Being from Colorado, this question came up a lot. I always knew that I wanted to go south for school to play soccer. I went to a small high school and I knew a small college would be the place for me. I started with my heart set on Hendrix, until Lyon sent me a card in the mail urging me to apply and come to Honor's Day. When I came to Honor's Day I fell in love with the campus. Everything was right there, and it was beautiful. Instantly I knew it was here I wanted to be. After that, it all fell into place when I was offered a spot to play soccer. What kept me at Lyon was the AMAZING professors. The psychology department played a huge role in my life and they prepared me for the master's degree I wanted. I know that Lyon prepared me for anything I could have wanted to do.

My favorite college memory:

My favorite college memory was surprisingly the most stressful as well. I was a junior and in the middle of soccer season trying to do my research methods paper for Dr. Daniels. She was my favorite professor but also my toughest professor. She knew what was inside me way before I did. One day, I was stressed to the point of tears, sitting in her office, eating all of her candy. Dr. Daniels never said I was ok or that I would do amazing on my test/papers. She told me that being a student is hard and candy would help me. She was grading tests and she played some music and let me sit in her office until she needed to go teach a class. Without her babying me into thinking it was easy, she pushed me to write my best paper and get all A's that semester. After that, I was in her office everyday eating candy and complaining about life. The whole psychology department pushing me to my breaking point has made me into a top student in grad school and I wouldn't trade those all-nighter tests and papers for anything in the world.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Phi Mu and women's soccer, alum and other sporting events

Frances Bradford Burks Rodgers

CLASS OF 1957

Why I chose this college:

My favorite college memory:

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

I contribute a small amount each year

Mary Banks

CLASS OF 2012

Why I chose this college:

I chose Lyon because of its reputation and location. I love the Batesville community.

My favorite college memory:

During finals, a group of US History and Systems students w/Dr. Mulick wrote a rap on the sidewalk to the doors of Derby to study for the final. In Personality Psychology w/Dr. Daniels I made a music video. All the times spent w/my Alpha Xi Delta sisters

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

I'm the Alpha Xi Delta Chapter advisor

Pamella Brownderville-Arville

CLASS OF

Why I chose this college:

Friends already attending there, small campus, beauty of the city, close to my home

My favorite college memory:

Sneaking the cafeteria trays out to slide down hills when it snowed. Terrell Tebbetts and his involvement with his students

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Friends, past and present. Love of this college.

Robert A. Craig

CLASS OF 1947

Why I chose this college:

I grew up in the yellow house on the corner of 7th and College Streets. The old Arkansas College campus was my playground. I have always loved Lyon College. It was home to me in 1941 & 1946-47

My favorite college memory:

This is my favorite Lyon story (Arkansas College). In the fall of 1946, I along with my wife (Patsy Chamberlain Craig-deceased) were attending Arkansas College studying pre-dental. We lived ½ block from the old campus. We were the owners of an adorable year-old cocker spaniel named Pepper. There was no leash law in Batesville at the time. So, Pepper went to class with us every day. He had the run of the campus, and was in and out of the classes in all the buildings. We all attended chapel every day at 10 o'clock. One day at chapel, Dr. Spragins was making a speech in the old alumni Hall (no longer present). It was warm and the main door was open. The hall was full of students. About half way through his lecture I look down the center aisle and here comes Pepper pitter pattering down the aisle aimed for the elevated stage where Dr. Spragins was talking. Pepper trots down the aisle, ascends the stage, goes over to the pulpit where Spragins is speaking, sits down at his feet, throws his head back and starts howling. The audience erupts in laughter. Even Dr. Spragins, as austere as he was, folded in laughter. Unfortunately, a few weeks after this event, Pepper was overrun by a car at the side of the campus. Dr. Spragins declared a day of mourning, and about 50 students attended Pepper's burial. Some of the happiest days of my life were attending old Arkansas College.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Robert A. Craig

CLASS OF 1947

Why I chose this college:

I grew up in the yellow house on the corner of 7th and College Streets. The old Arkansas College campus was my playground. I have always loved Lyon College. It was home to me in 1941 & 1946-47

My favorite college memory:

This is my favorite Lyon story (Arkansas College). In the fall of 1946, I along with my wife (Patsy Chamberlain Craig-deceased) were attending Arkansas College studying pre-dental. We lived ½ block from the old campus. We were the owners of an adorable year-old cocker spaniel named Pepper. There was no leash law in Batesville at the time. So, Pepper went to class with us every day. He had the run of the campus, and was in and out of the classes in all the buildings. We all attended chapel every day at 10 o'clock. One day at chapel, Dr. Spragins was making a speech in the old alumni Hall (no longer present). It was warm and the main door was open. The hall was full of students. About half way through his lecture I look down the center aisle and here comes Pepper pitter pattering down the aisle aimed for the elevated stage where Dr. Spragins was talking. Pepper trots down the aisle, ascends the stage, goes over to the pulpit where Spragins is speaking, sits down at his feet, throws his head back and starts howling. The audience erupts in laughter. Even Dr. Spragins, as austere as he was, folded in laughter. Unfortunately, a few weeks after this event, Pepper was overrun by a car at the side of the campus. Dr. Spragins declared a day of mourning, and about 50 students attended Pepper's burial. Some of the happiest days of my life were attending old Arkansas College.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Nicholas D'Amico

CLASS OF 2010

Why I chose this college:

My favorite college memory:

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

It is hard to stay involved because I live in Florida. I have made donations to football & baseball in the past.

Sarah Fendley

CLASS OF 2009

Why I chose this college:

If you've never stepped back and truly looked at the Lyon campus in the fall, it is an experience to behold. The beauty of the campus during my tour (fall, obviously) was one of the main reasons I wanted to learn more about the school. Once they'd hooked me that way, I saw that my admissions rep., Denny Bardos, knew every person he met by name and background. The sense of community proved true once I became a student. The greatest reason I chose Lyon, however, was the academics and the Nichols Program. Lyon truly became my second home. I made life-long friends with students and faculty and received a top-notch education that helped me all through my master's program and is a huge help right now in law school.

My favorite college memory:

Striking up on Glasgow Green. I was part of the 2006 world championship Pipe Band-I was the bass drummer. I loved all of my time in the Pipe Band, but our Scotland trip was my favorite. I will never forget standing in the middle of the world's piping community, wearing the Lyon College Tartan, and knowing I was part of that world and community. I've yet to find another place that feels as much like home as my Pipe Band. Jimmy Bell and the Pipe Band helped me find my place and helped me experience my heritage on a much deeper level. My sorority, Phi Mu, also is one of my best

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

I go back every year for Scottish Festival, but I also have strong ties with some of the faculty. I also have a tight-knit group of friends who are also alumni.

Sarah Greenwood

CLASS OF 2000

Why I chose this college:

It was a well-respected liberal arts college with a small student-to-teacher ratio. I believe in smaller class rooms and a well-rounded curriculum. I am also highly interested in education that tracks ancient philosophy of logic and oration to develop creative critical thinking skills. I believe in epistemology and in teaching students how to learn and investigate what distinguishes substantiated and supportable belief from mere opinion. Lyon's curriculum does that.

My favorite college memory:

My favorite memory was the mock trials we did with the Pre-Law Club and then- Professor Weatherman. It was my first glimpse into the law and what I would eventually explore and love.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

I believe in Lyon's mission and purpose

Lauren Gunderman

CLASS OF 2016

Why I chose this college:

As a Batesville native, Lyon was always on my radar, but my peers widely agreed that they wanted to "get out" and that we all should. When the time came, I applied many places but kept coming back to Lyon. I was comfortable with the campus and had already made many great memories there. I knew some professors, seeing their work and lives within the community. I was chosen as a Brown Scholar, which certainly helped my choice. The more I thought about it, the more Lyon felt like home but also like a push through the door. I was comfortable, but not stagnant. I had connections, but wasn't totally set. I knew the school would support me like a family home; but I would stand on my own. My comfort would allow me to go further. In the end, my friends did all "get out." I'm sure it served them fine. But, I think the opportunities I had on this small campus served me more. I had the chance to do everything I needed, and I was lucky enough to do everything I wanted, too.

My favorite college memory:

As a senior, by my second semester, I had already accepted my place at UTHSC, was taking classes I didn't need to struggle with, and had passed my campus exec roles mostly on. For those reasons, I got to spend a lot of time having fun and enjoying my time there. My favorite memory, though not all that exciting, I think really embodies Lyon and college life. It simply involves sitting enjoying adult beverages I had earned for the weekend, talking religion and philosophy with a freshman, all while watching Family Guy. I love that picture of casual young-people activities combined with a culture of thinking that Lyon tried to cultivate. I also helps that that freshman became my best friend and then fiancé.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Fiancé currently a student, close connection with professors, lots of interesting events

Beth Haizlip

CLASS OF 1977

Why I chose this college:

I choose this college for the excellent academic record it had.

My favorite college memory:

I chose Arkansas College primarily because I wanted to go to a small Presbyterian school. The spring before I enrolled in 1973 I can remember a picture of the steeple at the chapel being blown off after a tornado. One main memory I have of Arkansas College surround the excellent teachers I had there and being a part of the first women's basketball team. I had offers from other schools to play basketball, but I choose Arkansas College because I wanted an education. I was also honored to be placed in the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004. Yes, Batesville is a very friendly town and Arkansas College was an excellent school and I've never regretted the decision I made to go there.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Interested in the school

Ashely Harris

CLASS OF 2010

Why I chose this college:

I chose Lyon College because of the academic programs, foremost. Secondly, I chose Lyon College because of the close-knit community that it is. The students and staff made me feel welcome when I visited, and I felt as if I could find my place there. I also believed that the education could provide me with the tools to create a career path.

My favorite college memory:

One of my favorite college memories, although hard to choose just one, was serving on Social Council. I remember the Council in action, having trials and working together to find the best solutions. It was so instrumental in encouraging communication, understanding differing viewpoints, and achieving teamwork. It was such a unique experience, and I am thankful that Lyon has student council.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Greek life

Victoria Hartogh

CLASS OF 2016

Why I chose this college:

The first time I visited Batesville, AR, was the summer before my senior year of high school. My mom's good friend from college, Arthur Gilbert, was a non-traditional theater student at Lyon, and he was eager to show me the campus. "You're going to love it," he repeated several times, as we slowly crept up Highland Road. Having grown up in the Chicago suburbs, I was unimpressed with the rural landscape of the Natural State, and I was not looking forward to touring some unheard of college in 100-degree weather. As soon as I walked into the Welcome Center, however, my negative thoughts began to dissipate. The staff greeted us with friendly smiles, and the screen above the fireplace announced, "Welcome to Lyon College, Victoria!" The tour hadn't even begun and I already felt at home. As I walked in and out of the unique academic buildings, I imagined myself as a future Lyon student. My feelings of contentment only grew, as I discussed the English program with Dr. Tebbetts; his enthusiasm for Lyon College was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel it, too. By the end of the tour, I knew I wanted to become a Lyon Scot-in fact, Lyon was the only college I applied to! I chose Lyon not only because of its exceptional academic credentials, but also because it felt like a second home. To this day, I still consider Lyon College my home away from home and the people, my family. I look forward to every chance I get to visit!

My favorite college memory:

I could write a book filled with all of my favorite Lyon College memories! This memory, however, stands out (and lends a good laugh!) as I reflect on my years at Lyon. As a freshman, I was eager to participate in activities through the Lyon Education and Adventure Program (LEAP). I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to meet new friends and experience the outdoors. Growing up near a big city, I didn't spend a lot of time in nature; I was accustomed to shopping malls, indoor sports complexes, and nail spas. I didn't know how to hike trails, camp in the woods, or kayak down a river. So, when LEAP offered a weekend hiking and camping trip on the Sylamore Creek trail, I jumped at the opportunity. At the time, Scott Dirksen was the LEAP coordinator, and I still remember the look of pure amusement on his face the morning I arrived for the trip; apparently, having a full face of make-up, styled hair, and a pink velour track suit was not necessary for a voyage into the wilderness. Scott's amusement grew as he went through my hiking pack and removed my blow dryer, straightener and make-up bag. "There are not outlets and there are no mirrors where we're going" he chuckled, tossing my tools aside. I, however, was not laughing-I was on the verge of running back to the comfort of my furnished dorm room! No, I didn't run back to my dorm room; instead, I stepped out of my comfort zone and into the great outdoors of Arkansas. By the end of the weekend, I was a camping and hiking pro (kind of). I learned how to set up a tent, cook over a fire, and live without electricity, mirrors, and running water. I also learned more about my peers, as we gathered around the campfire and shared stories. That was the first of, what turned out to be, many adventures and many more memories!

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

It's the people who keep me involved at Lyon-the faculty and staff, and students and alumni. Their continuous support is what keeps me connected!

Hope Millington

CLASS OF 2015

Why I chose this college:

I was in the APPLE Project from 208 to 2011, so I spent plenty of time at Lyon. I knew some of the professors (like the amazing Dr. Nikki Yonts) and felt at home there. Getting accepted was one of the best days of my life.

My favorite college memory:

I have too many pleasant memories to choose just one. The best thing about Lyon is its professors, though. I went through some incredibly tough, personal issues before I left, but several of the faculty members (not just my current teachers) reach out to offer support. That meant more than I could say.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

I try to attend Scot Fest every year

Hope Millington

CLASS OF 2015

Why I chose this college:

I was in the APPLE Project from 208 to 2011, so I spent plenty of time at Lyon. I knew some of the professors (like the amazing Dr. Nikki Yonts) and felt at home there. Getting accepted was one of the best days of my life.

My favorite college memory:

I have too many pleasant memories to choose just one. The best thing about Lyon is its professors, though. I went through some incredibly tough, personal issues before I left, but several of the faculty members (not just my current teachers) reach out to offer support. That meant more than I could say.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

I try to attend Scot Fest every year

Sue (Feaster) Hudson

CLASS OF 1949

Why I chose this college:

My father was a very godly man. He chose A.C., so I did, too

My favorite college memory:

Falling in love with the man I later would marry. We were graduated August 18th and then married on September 18th. We finished in three years and two summers. I was selected as outstanding freshman. He was the best-natured person I've ever met. We had good faculty, good friends. Traveling choir with Landis, good hosts, were high points. We attended Presbyterian Church. Cheerleading was fun.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Good school, good people, good town

Thomas Nixon

CLASS OF 1977

Why I chose this college:

I was an ignorant kid from the sticks of northern Arkansas. An Arkansas College recruiter offered me a $700 scholarship to attend. When I accepted, I had no idea that I would be attending a private church school. I thought "Arkansas College" meant I would be attending a state school. I had no idea I was about to attend the most expensive private college in the state of Arkansas. Yet, it was the best thing that ever happened to me. If I had attended a large state school, I would have been lost. A.C. gave me the personal attention I needed to develop confidence and think in terms of success and future. I went from a kid who grew up in rural poverty with bullying and degraded self-esteem to a respected professional in my chosen career.

My favorite college memory:

I have so many wonderful memories that it would be impossible for me to pick one. I met the most wonderful friends of my life who are still my friends today, and I got the best education I could possibly have had.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Lyon saved my life. I hope to be able to, one day, sponsor a scholarship to help gifted students from rural poverty to be educated at Lyon.

Robert Restivo

CLASS OF 1971

Why I chose this college:

Liberal arts education, student-teacher ratio, large # of students from the East coast since it was during Vietnam War.

My favorite college memory:

The close bonds developed with fellow classmates and frat brothers. Hanging out in the Quad listening to Folk music. I'm really dating myself!

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Great memories & fellowship

Ann Stephenson

CLASS OF 1978

Why I chose this college:

My parents attended the college. My sister was a freshman and I spent 2 separate weekends with her on campus. During the second visit, her math/science fraternity, Chi Beta Phi, had a hayride and hotdog roast where I met Dr.'s (Veryl) Board and (Roberta) Bustin. I was so impressed with their involvement and devotion to their students and science. They were so approachable and fun-I was hooked-never looked back.

My favorite college memory:

Every minute spent with my Kappa Kappa Alpha sorority sisters. That sorority is no longer active, but was the oldest on campus and remained local and held up to its description, "Sisters in Service."

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

Students I taught before retirement, BCS concerts, programs, band concerts, graduation, living close to Lyon, presentations such as herbologist from Ozark Folk Center (GREAT), art exhibits, Scottish Festival

Lewis Mabson

CLASS OF 1951

Why I chose this college:

My mother went to A.C., some. Her family were neighbors and friends of A.C. President Dr. John Spragins. I was awarded a financial scholarship.

My favorite college memory:

I made many friends there, became a leader at college and the Presbyterian Church and dorm president for a year and was in KKA Sorority.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

I read stories sent to me by Lyon

Jared Malone

CLASS OF 2015

Why I chose this college:

I initially chose Lyon because of its Scottish Heritage Program. A bagpiper, I wanted more opportunity to excel in my musical art as well as to pursue an education. Lyon was perfect and definitely helped me to become a better musician by pushing my limits and constantly challenging my abilities.

My favorite college memory:

My most found memory while attending Lyon is probably the St. Louis Highland Games of 2013. The Pipe Band took the tartan-wrapped Lyon bus and all eyes were on us upon arrival at the games. We had a sharp and professional look and our sound was phenomenal. We took 1st place that day in grade 5. I will never forget what an honor it was to be a part of Lyon and the college Pipe Band.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

The sincerity and relationships. Lyon was one of the best decisions I ever made in life. It is full of genuine professors who want to see each and every student succeed, as well as like-minded peers that create long-lasting friendships.

Hailey Hastings

CLASS OF 2017

Why I chose this college:

I chose Lyon because of the great reputation it has in education. Lyon has always been considered a hard school to be accepted into. When I was accepted, i knew I was getting into one of the best schools in the country and I needed to go. Also I chose Lyon because this is my hometown and I wanted to stay and play basketball here. When Coach Lange asked if I wanted to play for her, it reassured me that Lyon would be the best school for me to attend.

My favorite college memory:

I cannot narrow down a favorite memory. All the fun I had with my teammates over my four years would be my favorite memory.

Where are you now? What are you doing?

What keeps you involved at Lyon?

All the athletic events keep my involved at Lyon.

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